HOMELESSNESS ON THE RISE EVEN AMONG EMPLOYED AMERICANS
August 15th, 2024, Santa Barbara, CA. The high cost of housing is causing a surge in homelessness, with many working Americans now struggling to keep a roof over their heads. While homelessness has long been associated with joblessness and mental health issues, a growing number of people with decent-paying jobs are now finding themselves priced out of the rental market.
According to the ongoing research conducted at the Fr. Virgil Cordano Center, this trend is being fueled by several factors, including years of rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing. Even a strong labor market and rising wages haven’t been enough to offset the financial strains of inflation.
A recent Washington Post article “More of America’s homeless are clocking into jobs each day” confirms our findings and highlights the difficult situation faced by many working people. The article features interviews with people who have lost their homes despite having jobs. One interviewee, Aaron Reed, works 50 hours a week at an Amazon warehouse but sleeps in his car with his mother and dog because they cannot afford rent. Another interviewee, Deborah Bower, a dog groomer, lost her home after breast cancer treatments wiped out her savings. She now sleeps in her car or pays for expensive hotel rooms.
These stories illustrate the challenges faced by many working Americans. Stuck between rising living costs and wages that don’t keep up, they are finding themselves increasingly vulnerable to homelessness.
No Comments